John Squire’s mid-’70s Gibson Firebird V has been identified by fans as a 1976 model, based on its appearance. Featuring the classic reverse-body design with mini-humbucker pickups, it also has banjo-style tuners on the treble side of the headstock and a dark sunburst finish.
This guitar first appeared in Squire’s rig during The Stone Roses’ reunion era (2015–2017). At high-profile shows like Madison Square Garden 2016, attendees noted that he used a Firebird on stage for Waterfall and Don’t Stop.[2] The Firebird wasn’t part of his earlier career, making it a fresh addition—possibly reflecting his interest in a broader range of Gibson models.
Squire later used the Firebird in 2024 on Just Another Rainbow, where he reported double-tracking the solo with it.[1] There’s little evidence of modifications, so it likely retains its stock pickups and hardware. Owning a 1976 Firebird may hold sentimental value for Squire, as 1976 was around the time he first started playing guitar as a teenager.
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